Here are just a few of the facts that were explained by 20-20:
My source http://leerburg.com
• 90% of dog bites happen to people who know the dogs
• Most of the dogs that bite are the family pets
• 60% to 70% of dog bites are to children or the elderly
• 40% of the bites to children result in loss of facial tissue (lips, cheek etc.)
• 1/2 of the claims made on homeowners insurance are dog bites claims!
Ed Frawley wrote, "An interesting point that 20-20 made is that more dog bites come from small dogs than from big dogs. The University of California did a study and found that dogs under 16 pounds are more likely to snap at people. My personal feeling is that “SMALL DOG OWNERS” do not perceive their dogs as being very dangerous. The majority of large dog owners make some attempt at controlling aggression problems, (even if it’s just giving the dog away or having it put to sleep). While the small dog owners often tend to ignore the problem and feel that their little terrier is just being cute when it growls at kids or guests that try and sit on the couch next to it. The fact is small dogs can bite SMALL KIDS in the face."
On this note:
Aggressiveness in dogs has a number of different causes often due to poor breeding and / or poor socializing. Many pet owners don’t recognize the early signs of dominant aggression or fear aggression and over look it as either alpha behavior or shyness. For instance a cute puppy slowly developed into a fearful biter after not dealing with it growling at people who came to visit. The pet owner cannot deal with the, now adult, dog that becomes overly aggressive at friendly strangers. Understanding where aggression has its roots will help people understand the methods used in controlling the problem. Early detection of reactivity and early socialization is key in avoiding adult dog aggression.
Types of Aggression:
Dominant Aggression- when a dog is struggling for rank in the pack.
Territorial Aggression- when a dog is fearful of losing its resources
Fear Aggression- lack of socialization or weak nervous system
Prey or Predatory Aggression- instinctive prey drive and lack of socialization with other animals and sometimes small children.
